Jude wakes up in Cardan’s quarters. She makes her way to her old rooms and sees her attendant, the imp Tatterfell, and much to her surprise, her younger brother Oak. Oak tells Jude her sisters and Heather are also in the palace, currently dining with Cardan. Oak stayed upstairs, bored by the company of the grown-ups. Jude has been drugged for several days so she can rest and heal. Jude asks Tatterfell to get her ready to join the court. Meanwhile, Taryn arrives in Jude’s room, followed by Vivienne and Heather, all dressed in Elfhame finery. All her siblings are overjoyed to see Jude recovered. They tell her that after Madoc took her away, Cardan came to the mortal world looking for her. When they heard from Oriana, they hired Grima Mog to help rescue her. As the sisters talk, Cardan arrives, accompanied by his guard.

Cardan asks Jude to accompany him to meet the Living Council, against Vivienne’s protestations about Jude’s health. On the way to the court, Cardan tells Jude that Madoc has accused him of causing her death—since Madoc presumes Jude died from her injuries. Madoc has sent soldiers to the low courts to gather support against Cardan.